The rankings were made by a panel of college coaches from across the nation. The guidelines used include the size of the class, the overall strength of the class and the impact that class will have on the program.

The class members include only players who will be making their first appearance with a college team. Transfers and junior college players are not included in the evaluation.

The Lady Bisons have also signed Meghan Hinemeyer, an outside hitter from Clemson University. Hinemeyer spent the spring with the Lady Bisons.

Some of the other schools earning honorable mention include Colorado St., Long Beach State, Kansas, South Carolina, St. Louis, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Western Kentucky.

"I feel that the three freshmen outside hitters along with Hinemeyer will definitely bolster our line-up and add quite a bit. All four of the hitters hit with a lot of power and are all good defensive players,” said Rosenthal. “The addition of Cortney is very exciting as well as she is a very good libero and will be expected to compete for the starting position immediately.

“This is a very experienced class at playing with nationally-recognized club teams. All have competed at the Junior Olympic National Tournaments over their years of club volleyball and have been very successful."

Rosenthal said he was very excited about the prospects for the 2009 class and was also excited to be recognized by Prepvolleyball. He praised the work of assistant coaches Samantha Sullivan and Ann Mullins.

"We are with great company and it is great that our recruiting efforts are so noted,” said Rosenthal. “I am very proud of how hard this staff has worked to bring in such a wonderful class.”

The last time the Lady Bisons were recognized with this honor was the 2007 class.

“The players that will be coming in will be tremendous assets to us on and off the court,” said Rosenthal. “We are very focused on taking this program to new heights and 2009 should be a very exciting season, one in which I fully expect our goal to be to win the Atlantic Sun and return to the NCAA Tournament.

“I am extremely proud of what we have been able to do with this program over the past six years, full well knowing that we continue to be hungry and desire to be better on a daily basis. One thing that I talk about to our team and coaches is the importance of the phrase "ALWAYS BE EVOLVING". I have studied Phil Knight and his efforts with Nike since their inception to their rise as the world's most dominant athletic/shoe manufacture. Needless to say I think things worked out for Nike and if we can have that mindset, we too will continue to see our program succeed."